Social conflict theory- is a Marxist-based social theory which argues that individuals and groups (social classes) within society have differing amounts of material and non-material resources (the wealthy vs. the poor) and that the more powerful groups use their power in order to exploit groups with less power.
The nation looked on in horror as Mick
Philpott became a ‘celebrity’ (link) as a result of appearing on The Jeremy
Kyle show, only to be recently convicted of the manslaughter of six of his
children who were killed after a premeditated fire in their Derby home.
The disgraced father of 17 appeared
on The Jeremy Kyle show in 2007 where he shamelessly admitted to raking in more
than £38,000 in benefits a year. Sharing his bizarre and unorthodox lifestyle
with more than a million viewers across the country Philpott went on to appear
on ITV’s daytime TV show, This Morning and even featured in a documentary with
former MP Ann Widdecombe.
But why have we allowed ourselves
to be dubbed ‘The Jeremy Kyle generation?’ We watch on, some on a daily basis,
as guests flood “the stage” with their misfortunes, yielding clenched fists and
heaps of bad language! We openly watch
on in the hope that the show will be riddled with conflict and poor negotiation
as the guests are interviewed, or rather, intimidated by a host earning more
than £1million a year.
I find myself asking is it ever beneficial
for these people to appear on national television, airing their dirty laundry
and secretly seeking help and attention!? They seek answers to some of life’s
most challenging questions… Who is the father of my child? And does the name I
had tattooed on my neck still mean anything?
What does this say about the UK and
our ability to resolve conflict rationally and effectively? There is surely
some benefit to conflict: As long as it can be resolved effectively, it can
lead to personal and professional development. However, I have to emphasize my
concerns that reality T.V, including The Jeremy Kyle show is making
entertainment out of what can sometimes be extremely violent and aggressive behavior.
There could also be some argument
to suggest that Philpott was given numerous, all expenses paid for
opportunities to appear on television, which fueled him with the attitude that
he could push the boundaries of public humiliation to his advantage. Unfortunately,
playing with television appearances led him to play with fire which ultimately
cost the lives of his 6 children.
So where should we draw the line? Where
will we be in 10 years time? Shows such as Jeremy Kyle are only making social
conflict more evident…
Churchill said: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” I fear The Jeremy Kyle Show would be boring if the guests followed the advice of our nations predeceases, and that is a scary thought…
Let me know your thoughts?
Sophie ,
ReplyDeleteI hate the genre of TV programmes which try expose the failings of our social culture. It's a blunt instrument that doesn't offer any help to the hard working, often under funded professionals.
I am a GP working in an area where unemployment is widespread as it is everywhere in the UK and I find programmes such as this give an impression that the unemployed are a bunch of lazy ,lying people while the rest of us are 'good hard working people'. I hate generalizations as throughout history they have only led to conflict.As for 'Shameless Mick' and the Jeremy Kyle Show, its a mockery of help that's offered that clearly didn't work in this case.
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Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, thank you for your comment. I can appreciate from your professional point of view that shows such as this portray certain people in a negative light. You must have a hugely unbiased opinion as a General Practitioner. Interestingly, we clearly share the same views and yet we live very different walks of life, you as a GP and I as a student. How much more conflict can we expect to see at 9.25 in the morning? and how can you imagine this effecting your role as GP?
SOPHIE
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ReplyDeleteI have an awful feeling that shows such as this will only perpetuate a culture of 'the good people that work vs. the bad people that don't'
ReplyDeleteAs you said Sophie, 9.25am is an inappropriate time of day to air such a show, it would be much better suited to a late night airing when you consider its violent and aggressive nature. Unfortunately I believe there is a huge majority of people who enjoy this type of show.
You make some really good point here, why have we allowed ourselves to be dubbed the Jeremy Kyle generation. Why do you we use peoples failings and misfortunes as form of entertainment to put them in the spot light and laugh at them. I particularly like the point you make about celebrate our criminals, we should not be idolising them in the way we do. Jeremy Kyle is perfect example of our culture "resolving conflicts" when really just we are just creating more conflict. The real work is being done behind the scenes not once a week on a T.V show which is designed to make these people look like the most unintelligent people as possible.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Thomas! :)
ReplyDeleteIts a scary thought isn't it that particularly the younger generations are being exposed to things like this. We should be encouraging young people to live positive lifestyles ,working in various professions rather than demonstrating how easy it is to take advantage of the system this country has in place. So what are your thoughts on the way Jeremy Kyle communicates with these people, and how much input do you think he has in the support process, as you mentioned which takes place when the cameras are off?
SOPHIE